Posted on 09/28/2011 4:38:08 PM PDT by KevinDavis
Electric vehicles may seem like the inevitable evolution of the conventional gas-powered automobile, but not every carmaker agrees. Hyundai will sit out the pure-electric car round, and instead concentrate its efforts on designing the next-generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
As part of a decision by the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Hyundai--which owns 51 percent of Kia--will stop all efforts to develop and produce electric vehicles, according to Korean newspaper The Chosun Iblo. The auto manufacturer previously planned to produce the all-electric BlueOn, but it has shelved those plans and instead will focus on developing the Tucson ix Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle. The Tucson ix FCEV has a driving range of approximately 350 miles and produces zero tailpipe emissions, and is expected to enter production in 2015.
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Hyundai and Honda are both working on hydrogen powered vehicles. Is it just a coincidence that both company names begin with “H”?
The economic and technical viability of hydrogen for cars is even less than battery powered.
I’m also thinking of getting a car either from Honda or Hyundai.. I think it is smart move by both of those companies.
Right now battery powered vehicles ain’t lookin good. Maybe 50 miles to a charge and then you have to feed the thing some more volts and amps—assuming a relatively nearby charging station. If you buy one of those turkeys you better be dang sure you’ll have more charging access than your own home—other wise, the whopping 50 miles gets cut to 25 miles.
Moreover, I think battery power may be approaching the most it can be. Especially considering the toxicity of manufacturing and disposing of batteries. Not to mention their weight. I think Hyundai is just refusing to go down a dry hole simply because everyone else is in their eagerness to be considered green.
Did they clear this with berry first?
I’ve been a hydrogen fuel advocate for over forty years.
Natural gas seems the better approach, but what do I know.
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